Upcoming Events
The STEM Squad
STEM & Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–12)
📍 In-Person Program | ⏱️ 6 Weeks
🌟 Program Overview
This engaging 6-week social and STEM-focused group is designed for children aged 8–12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and connecting with peers in a supportive and structured environment.
Each session blends fun, interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities with meaningful opportunities to build social and communication skills.
🧩 What Participants Will Do
Children will take part in exciting, hands-on activities such as:
🏗️ Engineering and building challenges
🔬 Simple science experiments
🧠 Logic puzzles and problem-solving tasks
🧱 Building structures with various materials
🤝 Collaborative group projects
These activities are designed to spark curiosity while naturally encouraging teamwork and peer interaction.
📚 Skills Developed
Participants will practice key age-appropriate social and communication skills, including:
🤝 Teamwork and collaboration
💬 Sharing ideas and participating in discussions
🔄 Taking turns and flexible thinking
👂 Active listening
❓ Asking and answering questions
🎯 Working toward shared goals
The program supports skill development in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun.
🧠 Program Approach
Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide structured and individualized support, including:
✅ Modeling and guided instruction
🌟 Positive reinforcement
👩🏫 Prompting strategies
📝 Individualized encouragement and support
This approach helps each child build confidence and succeed in both social and STEM-based activities.
💛 A Supportive Environment
This group focuses on learning through play, curiosity, and collaboration in a positive and inclusive environment ✨. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships, and develop confidence while being supported every step of the way.
Group Details:
📅 6-week program starting September 29, 2026 - November 3, 2026
🕕 Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM
📍 Main office
🔟 Limited to 8 participants
🎯 Cost: $2000.00 for the entire 6 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.
Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!
Skill Builder’s Social Club - Cobourg
FEE-FOR-SERVICE GROUP PROGRAMMING - IN PERSON
🌟 Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–13)
📍 YMCA Cobourg | ⏱️ 4-Week Program
🧩 Program Overview
This fun and engaging social group is designed for children aged 8–13 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build friendships 🤝, confidence 💪, and communication skills 🗣️ in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Hosted at the YMCA in Cobourg, this 4-week program provides opportunities for children to connect with peers through interactive games 🎲, team activities 🏅, guided conversations 💬, and social challenges tailored to their age and interests.
📚 What Participants Will Learn
Throughout the program, children will practice and develop a variety of important social and communication skills, including:
🗨️ Starting and maintaining conversations
🔄 Taking turns and sharing
👂 Active listening
👀 Understanding social cues
🤝 Cooperative play and teamwork
🧠 Perspective taking
❤️ Emotional regulation
🌈 Building and maintaining friendships
🧠 Program Approach
Activities are designed to be engaging, motivating, and supportive, helping children gain confidence interacting with peers in both structured and natural social settings.
Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:
✅ Individualized support
🌟 Positive reinforcement
👩🏫 Modeling and prompting
📝 Guided practice
Our goal is to help each participant strengthen meaningful social skills while fostering independence and confidence.
💛 A Supportive Environment
This group is centered on creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves ✨. We celebrate each child’s strengths while helping them grow socially and emotionally.
Group Details:
📅This program runs from July 9th-July 30th
🕓 Every Thursday from 6:00PM–7:00PM
📍Cobourg Northumberland YMCA - 339 Elgin St W, Cobourg ON K9A 4X5
🏢 When families arrive, they will meet a Canopy Support Services staff at the YMCA each week. The children will have access to the play structure/gym area and should bring appropriate footwear and a water bottle
🎯 Children aged 8–13 with ASD
💲 $1750.00
🧾 Eligible expense under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Registration is currently closed, but we have another Skill Builder’s Social Club running in August.